NEW YORK -- Fellow Swede Henrik Lundqvist very much admires The Monster's accomplishments, even though he has never actually played against him.

Lundqvist is well aware that The Monster -- Maple Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson -- broke his post-season record for most consecutive shutout minutes in the Swedish elite league this past spring by about 60 minutes. Gustavsson went 240 minutes 25 seconds without allowing a goal en route to leading Farjestads to the Swedish championship.

"It's good hockey involving some top Swedish teams," Lundqvist said. "That (scoreless streak) would be a good feat in any league.

"When you're (in a zone) like that, nothing phases you."

Lundqvist first met Gustavsson this summer when hopefuls for the 2010 Swedish Olympic squad congregated for meetings in Gothenberg, Sweden.

"We went golfing, went to a U2 concert -- it was good," Lundqvist said.

Should Gustavsson's groin strain heal enough to allow him back on the ice later this week, perhaps Lundqvist finally will face The Monster when the New York Rangers come to the Air Canada Centre on Saturday.